Is it possible to un-convert a smart object?

[J Isner]

I have some layers that I converted to a smart object.  I'd like to get the original layers back.  In other words, I want to replace the smart object by its contents.  Is this possible?

[Chuck Uebele]

Not at this time, but maybe Adobe will create this feature. Until they do, just open the Smart Object and drag the files back to your original document.

[davescm · Accepted solution]

If you are using the latest version of Photoshop (v21) you can unconvert. Right click the Smart Object in the layers panel and choose "Convert to layers". It will convert the SO to a group containing the smart object content.

Dave

[J Isner]

That's great news.  I'm still on v20, so I'll update right now.

[davescm]

Hi

The detail is here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/whats-new/2020.html#smart-object-to-layers

Dave

[J Isner]

I updated PS to v21 and did the "Convert to Layers."  Thank you again.

[Stephen Marsh]

There are a number of scripts that can do this, which is great if you are on an older version and don’t want to update.

EDIT: Here are two:

https://github.com/joonaspaakko/UnSmart-Objects-photoshop-script

https://blog.darkwark.com/expandSmartObject/